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Tapir
Sport climber
Malaysia
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Hey Tami,
Yeah I did went to a chiropractor once, and I kinda thought that they did something to my spine that made it worst (just an assumption). They did the one snap pull by asking me to lie down and snapped my whole body (spine to be exact). It was my first visit there and I was just asking them to look at my injured ankle. Anyways, I do think that a person should really see through their bodies first (CTs and MRIs) before they go to chiropractor. Some things they can really get it fixed right. Thank you so much for suggesting!
Hi jgill,
I am working on getting MRI for checking my back because my previous visits to the doctors only lead me to the physiotherapist. And since my back is getting worse, I figured I should really do something about it. Now my back pain radiates either to my upper back (shoulder & neck) or, it can go down to my lower back left side (buttocks & thighs) :(
I am working from home which means I do even less exercise to break the sweat. My sister was just diagnosed with dehydrated discs and she for all i know, drinks water so much more than I do! I'm super scared to know what MRI result will be for me :( I've read so much about spine problems and it scares me so much.
I also think that most of my back pain today was the result of the wrong falls I took whenever I do long and high routes on the boulder wall.
So frustrating :/
Tapir
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jgill
Boulder climber
The high prairie of southern Colorado
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Don't give up, Tapir. I thought my goose was cooked when over a year ago I was in a lot of pain similar to yours and was told never do upper body exercises again. Then in May another more experienced surgeon said, why not? I still have the problem but since I returned to pull-ups and the like the problem has abated quite a bit. By the way, I'm going on 80. Never too late, my friend.
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darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
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Baby Boomers never recommend Chiropractic, they prefer what they consider to be "mainstream" healthcare providers. Of course, they don't realize that nowadays, Chiropractic is pretty darn mainstream.
Most professional athletes are under the care of a Chiropractor.
Always seek advice and care from the health care provider of your choice, not an internet message board.
Sending healing vibes to everyone in this thread! Thanks for sharing your stories.
EDIT: You can't order up an MRI like you can a cheeseburger. You need to go through the proper channels and let a qualified physician determine if imaging is necessary. Many times there is an algorithm that is being followed. They went to school, you didn't. More than likely you, the patient, are a layperson. Could you read the MRI if someone put it in front of you? Prolly not.
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pell
Trad climber
Sunnyvale
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Alina, I am shocked by discovering the thread. Those morning sessions in PG SV is among my the very best memories and you and your climbing had been being a bright highlihgt of those (sometimes brrrrrrrrr... cold) mornings. Remember I was wondering where had you disappeared. Now it is clear.
So sorry to hear about your accident and so inspired by reading your blog. Keep going for full recovery, I know you can. Wish you the best.
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Ken M
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
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Baby Boomers never recommend Chiropractic, they prefer what they consider to be "mainstream" healthcare providers. Of course, they don't realize that nowadays, Chiropractic is pretty darn mainstream.
Most professional athletes are under the care of a Chiropractor.
Always seek advice and care from the health care provider of your choice, not an internet message board.
Sending healing vibes to everyone in this thread! Thanks for sharing your stories.
EDIT: You can't order up an MRI like you can a cheeseburger. You need to go through the proper channels and let a qualified physician determine if imaging is necessary. Many times there is an algorithm that is being followed. They went to school, you didn't. More than likely you, the patient, are a layperson. Could you read the MRI if someone put it in front of you? Prolly not.
Could not agree MORE. Words of a professional Chiropractor! *I've* looked at thousands of MRI's and I hardly know what I'm looking at. It is easy to spend thousands and thousands on useless technology. Even when imaging is needed, sometimes a plain x-ray is better. Sometimes ultrasound.
I recently had a kidney stone issue that required imaging. The "state of the art" is Spiral CT scan, but I chose to go the ultrasound route, because: 1. for my situation, ultrasound was just as good. 2. I didn't want the radiation exposure (roughly equivalent to 40 chest x-rays). I already glow in the dark. Let professionals make these decisions.
I get care under an excellent Chiropractor.
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2017 - 05:09pm PT
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So sorry to hear about your accident and so inspired by reading your blog. Keep going for full recovery, I know you can. Wish you the best.
Thanks for the kind words, my friend.
Recovery continues.
I have to say... if there is one message I can spread, it would be this:
Appreciate what you have, every day. Don't waste it. But also don't hold it too close to your chest. After taking the Big Fall.. I know humans are surprisingly resilient. Take risks, be bold, live bravely and roll with the punches.
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jstan
climber
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After my last boulder problem I spent four days in traction. I found the key is to do boulder problems you never have to jump off. Just not bouldering is equally effective.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I find my Chiro to be quite helpful when i put my back out. It's like Tami says, it's all about finding the right practitioner. The best thing about my chiro is the thumper! I love that thing!! It looks like a six pack egg carton and it vibrates like he double hockey sticks!!
People dis acupuncture too, but i found it to be amazing in my recovery. It's more of a participatory practice though, you have to work with them and let them know what works for you and what doesn't. I find the needles give me targets to help me let go of the tension with my mind. I've seen other acu's and they just do their program and i don't get nearly as much out of the treatment.
It's all about WHO you see!
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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My 26 year old daughter has been mostly bed ridden for over a year with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Her entire left leg and part of her lower back are always in extreme pain.
It started from a knee injury then got worse. Unfortunately many doctors are not aware of this.
Medicine does not know why this happens or have any good ideas on how to treat it.
Some people can have very little physically wrong yet still be in constant pain.
I think those of us who have only minor pains are lucky.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Mine is Dingus! I go see him when I'm super hurting and then it's usually six months to a year or more between visits!
Not all clothes are made from the same cloth..
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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I would agree with that Ding. It is definitely not a cure all, but it sure helps me loosen up when my back is super tight!
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Al Barkamps
Social climber
Red Stick
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Chiropractors are pretty much all full of shiht. I've had several dozen "adjustments" and frankly, none of it compares to having my ol' lady's 112 lbs walking all over my back.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 20, 2017 - 06:07pm PT
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hey there say... just a bump...
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Feb 20, 2017 - 07:26pm PT
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Agree with DMT. If cracking your back fixed something, you didn't have much of a problem. And if you do have a for-real problem, cracking it is quite likely to make it worse - ie, herniated disks, pinched nerves, etc.
That chart is wrong, too...
It's basically a massage, little more.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Feb 21, 2017 - 06:27am PT
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I've received A LOT of help from chiro's. It's a bummer that some of them claim to be able to cure everything.
BAd
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Feb 21, 2017 - 06:41am PT
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Alina, for your information, The Braille Book has been host to a number of falls through the years. It is a real 5.8, is kind of tricky, and not always totally protectable. Great climb.
The longest fall up there I am aware of was Jim Stanton's gigantic zippering, about 200-240 ft in 1970 approximately. He did not get very injured--hard to imagine-- and went right on for more years. I think he walked out too.
I brought this up on:
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=52865&tn=60
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Barbarian
climber
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Feb 21, 2017 - 09:01am PT
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My thoughts and experience on chiropractic:
I have good friends that are chiropractors. I trust them completely. For years I suffered from debilitating migraines. My best buddy suggested I come see him. X-rays were taken showing misalignment of my spine. Further physical examination (no back cracking yet)revealed I had one leg shorter than the other. He suggested a heel lift to even my gait. He also suggested I quit sitting on my wallet and move to a front pocket. Once those things were addressed, he adjusted my spine to bring everything back into alignment. Bottom line - I haven't a migraine in over 15 years.
Five and half years ago I took a small spill in the mountains, tweaked my back...and walked 14 miles out. A little ice, a little rest, good to go again.
About 5 weeks after that, my back started hurting...bad. With my trusted friend 600 miles away, I sought out another chiropractor. I received a recommendation from my boss. This new doctor looked at my x-rays, asked a bunch of questions, an adjusted my back. I had some immediate relief. When the relief was not long lasting after a few visits over a span of weeks, he stated, if this was a simple chiropractic issue it would be greatly improved after those few visits. He suggested additional x-rays, when he looked at them, recommended that I get an MRI and ortho consult. He said that there appeared to be a serious problem.
I got my MRI which revealed a massive infection in the area of my spine that was injured in the mountains. I had urgent surgery to remove a necrotic disc, remove all the infected tissue, and fuse my spine. And 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. My ortho says my chiro probably saved my life...because he knew what chiropractic could do and when it was not warranted.
I still see my chiro, with my ortho's blessing. Every couple of months I have my spine gently stretched. It keeps me upright.
I would avoid any chiro who claims they can cure anything and everything. I would also avoid one that wants to schedule a prepaid series of sessions 3x a week for 10 weeks...that guy is interested in making his boat payment, not your health an well being.
of course, your mileage may vary.
A couple of additions: The root cause of the infection (e-coli)appears to have been a perforation of the bowel during a routine colonoscopy. That took up residence in the injured portion of the back and mad itself a happy little home. I had no fever or other symptoms that indicated infection. Just pain.
Most important part of this post:
Best wishes to you Alina on your continued recovery!
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 19, 2017 - 01:10pm PT
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Hey guys,
I posted on Quinn's thread to reach out and share my experience. I was asked for an update, so here it is...
I'm not on Supertopo much these days as it still hurts a lot to be reminded of climbing outdoors... I'm still far from being able to do it. But I've been going to the Stanford gym about twice a month where I helped start an adaptive climbing program. We partnered with the Palo Alto VA and Mark Wellman to purchase a bunch of adaptive climbing equipment and got him to come and teach wall staff members on how to use it. I've really enjoyed meeting all the Stanford students who have come out to give it a shot -- wheelchair users, amputees, and others with movement disorders.
I've spent a year working with a Pilates trainer who specializes in Pilates for Neuro rehab. It's been amazing a helped me a lot -- but costs $$$$ and isn't covered by insurance. Overall, it takes a huge amount of money to recover from something like this. Insurance covers just a fraction of so many new costs.
Here's a video of some me doing Pilates:
[Click to View YouTube Video]
I've been slowly re-learning how to walk with braces and a walker. In the past couple of months I've gotten much better at crutches. And last week I got a new brace for my right (weak) leg, so I'm back to walker for now but the ergonomics of the walking is improved.
Here's a video of me walking in my new brace for the first time compared to old brace (white):
[Click to View YouTube Video]
I've been lucky and got some financial support from High Fives Foundation. I've been on a quest to try new things and through them I discovered surfing. I use a board somewhere between a tiny kayak and a large surfboard to catch waves seated with a paddle. It's really fun and my favorite thing right now.
Here's a video of me learning both how to surf (and how to use a GoPro):
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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John M
climber
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Dec 19, 2017 - 02:07pm PT
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Hey Alina. I'm glad that you checked back in. I notice a lot of improvement in how you move. Looks great. I'm so glad that you found surfing. I love the ocean and catching waves is a blast. I never really had the climbing bug, for me it was skiing, body surfing, backpacking and trail running. Those were the things I missed when my health went south. That and being super fit.
It is hard to shift into a new way of being, but there are cool and challenging things out there to find. Like surfing! :-) Your video put a big smile on my face.
I would talk about the financial side of recovery, or health problems, but that has been a sore point for me. We do so many great things in this country, but we really let certain groups of people down. I will leave my thoughts on that subject for another time. I mostly wanted to cheer you on and say that I am glad that you continue to improve.
I pray that your spirit continues to be strong and you find all of the joy and fulfillment that you seek.
John
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Dec 19, 2017 - 02:24pm PT
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Great to see you are moving and recovery is under way.
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